China Deploys Underwater Data Centers For AI

China is operating the world's only commercial underwater data center near Lingshui, Hainan, and has repurposed it in recent months to perform large-scale AI computing tasks. Sealed in steel capsules deployed in 2022 and commercial since 2023, rows of servers use surrounding seawater for cooling, reducing air-conditioning energy and land footprint. Researchers warn of localized warming, deoxygenation risks and leak/corrosion threats that could affect marine biodiversity.